Vikings' Peterson told Jones he would play for Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would like to be a Dallas Cowboy someday.

Peterson told Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a June telephone call he would like to play for the Cowboys at the end of his tenure with the Vikings, according to ESPN's "Outside the Lines."

"Well, I understand, Adrian," Jones told Peterson during the call, according to ESPN. "I'd like that, too ... Well, I love your story. I love your daddy's story. I've always respected what you've been about. I've always been a fan of yours."

The telephone call is recounted as part of an "Outside the Lines"/ESPN The Magazine profile of Jones by ESPN senior writer Don Van Natta Jr. that was published Thursday.

Van Natta was in Jones' suite at AT&T Stadium for George Strait's final concert on June 7 when a friend of Jones' handed the phone to him.

"Well, we'll see what we can do, if we can make that happen," Jones told Peterson. "Hmm hmm ... I'd like that, too ... Well, we're talking pig Latin here, but let's see if we can do that ... We're talking pig Latin here, but let's see what we can do about that. OK, Adrian, thanks."

Peterson, 29, is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $100 million contract that will pay him $11.75 million this season.

Jones confirmed to "Outside the Lines" that Peterson said he wanted to play for the Cowboys, but hasn't talked to the running back since. Jones also didn't consider the phone call tampering. Jones said he has not contact the Vikings about the conversation.

The Vikings had no immediate response Thursday when contacted by ESPN about the phone call.

Zack Martin stuck with Jones all summer.

Van Natta also writes that the Cowboys passing up Johnny Manziel for offensive tackle Zack Martin has stuck with Jones all summer.

"If we had picked Manziel, he'd guarantee our relevance for 10 years," Jones said in May. "When we were on the clock, I said if we pick the other guy -- any other guy -- it would be a ticket to parity, more 8-8 seasons.

"The only way to break out is to gamble -- take a chance with that first pick, if you wanna dramatically improve your team. That's why I wanted Manziel but I was the only guy who wanted him. I listened to everybody ... And I'm ... not ... happy ..."

"Outside the Lines" will air the Jones story at 8 a.m. Sunday on ESPN.